Chicago Shelters’ Longest Tenants—And Why You Should Adopt Them

Photos by Karen Morgan

Published June 15, 2016, at 12:45 p.m.

Meet nine animals who have been waiting at their shelters the longest. (Hint, hint.) Ready to pounce? If you adopt one of these animals, photographer Karen Morgan will give you an 11-by-17-inch print of its photo that appears below. Just tell the shelter where you saw it.

Lucy and DesiAge:4 or 5Breed:New ZealandAt the shelter since:Summer 2012 Why they’re still there:This bonded pair (like, literally—they barely stopped touching each other during the photo shoot) has to be adopted together, and Desi (right) has a heart condition.Why you might want them: They’re much friendlier than the more popular (and divaesque) dwarf rabbits.Where to adopt:Red Door Animal Shelter, reddoorshelter.org

ChampagneAge:2Breed:Pekingese mixAt the shelter since:September 2015Why he’s still there:It takes a lot of energy to keep up with this little guy—like, a lot. He’s on the doggie equivalent of Ritalin.Why you might want him:With all that vitality, he’s a good match for homes with equally rowdy teens.Where to adopt:PAWS Chicago, pawschicago.org

CastielAge:5Breed:Hound mixAt the shelter since:February 2016Why he’s still there:This big guy is, well, a little too big and needs to be put on an exercise plan.Why you might want him:Who doesn’t want a 90-pound heater in their lap during the winter?Where to adopt:The Anti-Cruelty Society, anticruelty.org

Ginny and LunaAge:4Breed:Domesticated ferretAt the shelter since:March 2015 Why they’re still there:These two are actually part of a trio. The third, Neville, has chronic health issues—and for the good of all of them, they have to stay together.Why you might want them: What could be a better conversation starter than three ferrets on leashes?Where to adopt:Greater Chicago Ferret Association, gcfa.com